Winter is warm when you know how to live Hygge.

When I first started learning Norwegian about 10 years ago, I noticed something. Besides many words for comfort, friendliness, warmth, and a host of positive adjectives, Norwegians (and their Danish neighbors… across the strait) particularly like to use two adjectives.hyggeligandkoseligThey can use it in almost any context, any situation, and many other catchphrases. Of course, as long as what is said has a cheerful meaning.

Initially, I used them unconsciously, as a linguistic habit that could only be explained very simply as "because it's... like that!" Later, after living in Norway for a while, I began to understand and gradually absorb their essence.hyggeof the people from the North.

HyggeWhat is that?

Hygge (pronounced hue-geh) is a Norwegian noun that originally means good health or a hug. When the suffix is ​​added...-ligthenhyggeligIt has become an adjective meaning healthy or happy. That's also why, when meeting someone for the first time, after a few greetings and introductions, Norwegians will add "Hyggelig!" meaning "Nice to meet you!"

When "moving" south, that is Denmark,hyggeandhyggeligIt takes on a completely different meaning: happiness and coziness (noun) or happiness and coziness (adjective). And it was the Danes, not the Norwegians, who coined this concept.hyggeBecoming famous worldwide: a lifestylehyggeof the Nordic people. Today,HyggeIt's so common that people don't need to find an English equivalent; they can simply use the original Danish word.

LifestylehyggeThis lifestyle isn't unique to Denmark; people in Northern Europe generally enjoy it. However, the names are somewhat different. In Norway – the original "homeland" of the word.hygge– nowadays that iskoselig.As for the Swedes, their spirit...Hyggeexpressed through adjectivestrevligIt has a similar meaning.

Hyggefrom inside the house…

In the Nordic climate, which includes five months of winter, with nights of heavy snowfall and days when the sun never rises, the home must be the warmest and safest place, providing shelter through the harsh winter months.

Traditional Nordic houses are built of pine wood, with walls nearly 50 cm thick, sufficient to insulate the house. The exterior may be painted, but the interior is usually made of raw, rustic wood. This is the most fundamental element in creating the house's spirit.hyggeFor a home in a cold climate: the rustic charm of pine wood, the light brown color of the wood combined with warm yellow lighting is enough to create a cozy family space.

Before moving with my family to the suburbs of Oslo, Norway, I lived in an apartment in the heart of the capital. The modern conveniences of a new apartment made me somewhat apprehensive when I bought it from my uncle, a house built 30 years ago. But after experiencing our first winter in that small suburban home, my wife and I no longer regretted the previous comforts.

When autumn arrives, bringing with it melancholic rains, people begin preparing firewood for their fireplaces. After being chopped into small pieces, the wood is neatly arranged in a designated spot, usually in the shed next to the garage, under a roof to protect it from the rain. When the temperature begins to drop to 0°C, the fireplace is lit, usually in the afternoon, when everyone in the family has returned home and is waiting for dinner. After a warm meal, the whole family gathers around the crackling fireplace, sipping coffee or hot cocoa, oblivious to the increasingly thick snow outside. On such an evening, one could hardly ask for anything more than a little something.peisekos– The joy of being by the fireplace.

...Hyggego out into the street

Sweden is the second-largest coffee consumer in the world, behind only Finland. The Danes and Norwegians are certainly not far behind, both ranking among the top 10 coffee-consuming nations globally. Therefore, in major cities, you'll find a coffee shop almost everywhere you go.

Aside from international coffee brands with identical names and decor everywhere, a true Nordic-style café, of course, must offer a cozy atmosphere.Hyggeas soon as I entered the restaurant.

These small cafes are usually located inside an old house in the old town, with very low ceilings, dim lighting, and old, worn-out floor tiles that creak with every step. Otherwise, the cafe must be a small space, just big enough to fit a few sets of tables and chairs inside, and a few more outside.

One winter day many years ago, my family took a weekend trip to Copenhagen, Denmark. Tired from sightseeing, we found a tiny café tucked away in an equally tiny corner—I can't remember how we got there. I only remember the feeling of pushing open the door and stepping inside; it was incredibly pleasant, unlike the feeling of entering a café in a strange city. It was like returning home after a long journey, opening the door to your familiar kitchen, and smelling the aroma of hot coffee someone had prepared for you. Drinking a hot cup of coffee with a loved one in such a familiar yet unfamiliar café—wasn't that wonderful?hyggeligSo many stars?

Hygge Four Seasons

The Norwegians have a proverb:"There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing."This means that you can feel comfortable and at ease in any season, as long as you wear the right kind of clothing. And that's why on rainy days people flock to the forest to pick mushrooms, or on cold winter days they sit for hours at frozen lakes to fish!

Living in harmony with nature is one of the ways that people in Northern Europe enjoy life.HyggeIn the simplest way, throughout the twelve months of the year, people always have an excuse to go outside and exercise. Even during the harshest season, winter, people have reasons to go out for coffee with friends or play snow sports to "drag" themselves out of the house, get some exercise, and breathe fresh air.

Having lived in the suburbs for a while, I noticed something very interesting: in the summer, the supermarkets here hardly ever sell berries like strawberries or raspberries. It wasn't until later that I realized these delicious fruits grow wild in abundance along forest paths, and even in the bushes along city streets. So why buy them at the supermarket when you can pick them yourself and enjoy them – and best of all… for free!

Autumn arrives, bringing with it endless autumnal rains. Northern Europeans can lazily sit indoors, gazing out onto the porch, leisurely sipping fragrant coffee and enjoying a slice of toasted bread with homemade raspberry jam. This simple happiness can be simply called...Hygge.

7 ways to live Hygge like the Nordic people.

You don't need to be Nordic or live in Nordic countries to create a Hygge lifestyle; you can absolutely do it with just the simple things described below.

1. Spend time with family.

Scandinavians highly value family time. Eating out is usually reserved for very special occasions, such as weddings or other significant events. Therefore, no matter how busy you are, try to have dinner with your family.

2. Cooking at home

Alongside having dinner with family, cooking at home is also a way to connect with your family by learning about everyone's tastes, or cooking with your mother or children, especially young children.

3. Immerse yourself in nature.

If you live in the city and don't have the opportunity to go to the forest or the beach often, on weekends you can take a walk in the park and breathe in the fresh air in the early morning, or go camping in the suburbs with friends.

4. Physical activity

That could be a morning walk, cycling to the market instead of using a motorbike, going for a swim on a hot day, or simply using the stairs instead of the elevator if you're only going a few floors.

5. Limit the use of electronic devices and reading on rainy days.

Reduce your TV time and minimize your use of electronic devices, especially during family meals. Instead, read a book, catch up on the news from a newspaper, or simply chat with those around you. Especially on cold, rainy days, there's nothing better than snuggling under a blanket, reading your favorite book, and enjoying a hot coffee or cocoa.

6. Decorate your home in a minimalist style.

If you can't redecorate your entire house, at least opt ​​for a minimalist Scandinavian-style bedroom. An airy room will soothe your mind and improve the quality of your sleep.

7. Always think positively.

Of course, there will be times in life when you feel discouraged, disappointed, tired, or experience countless other negative emotions. At those times, instead of focusing on what's making you sad, try to look at things from a positive perspective. For example, consider what lessons you've learned or what experiences you've gained from that unpleasant event.

Ngoc Quyen